Oakland's 2010 Draft Class

Hey everyone! This is my first go at a legit fanpost so please go easy on me :) I attempted to use a nice/clean format but my editing skills are not yet up to par...hopefully they'll be better with my next post. I've tried to provide as much content as possible in hopes of making this an "informational hub" of Oakland's 2010 draft class. Please feel free to add whatever I've missed in the comments. I'd love to learn more about all these guys!

The MLB Rule 4 Draft (First Year Player Draft) was held June 7th - June 9th. Oakland went offense heavy in what should invigorate our minor league teams with some true hitting prospects. However, in what seems a change from past Oakland drafts, there wasn't much to get excited about with the pitching selections (at least on first glance). Andy Seiler of SB Nation's MLB Bonus Baby had this to say...

 A lot of relief arms in that class. Vail included. I don’t see a big pitching impact in that draft.

The "Vail" he's referring to is prep pitcher Tyler Vail. Vail was the first pitcher Oakland picked in this draft (5th round) so one would think he holds the most promise in the A's eyes of any of the pitchers they selected. The fact that Seiler sees him as a relief arm when he's a high school draftee doesn't really get me too excited considering he's the highest pitcher we took. We'll delve more into Vail below.

Overall I'd give the A's draft a B. I'm really digging the players the A's took on the offensive side. However, their lack of a truly intriguing pitching selection prevents me from rating it much higher.

Picks I would like us to sign most would be...

Michael Choice (CF) 1st Round
Yordy Cabrera (3B) 2nd Round
Aaron Shipman (CF) 3rd Round
Chad Lewis (3B) 4th Round
Tyler Vail (RHP) 5th Round
Anthony Thompson (3B) 6th Round
Jordan Tripp (CF) 7th Round
Antwoin Kirby-Jones (1B) 9th Round
Wade Kirkland (SS) 11th Round
Matthew Thomson (RHP) 12th Round
Arthur Griffin (RHP) 13th Round
Gerald Menna (RHP) 14th Round
Ryan Hughes (LHP) 16th Round
Jose Macias (RHP) 18th Round
Logan Chitwood (RHP) 19th Round
Ryan Lipkin (C) 24th Round
Ryan Pineda (2B) 28th Round
Aaron Judge (1B) 31st Round
Lonnie Kauppila (SS) 44th Round

Can't wait to get everyone's thoughts! Here is the rundown of our 2010 Oakland A's draft class...

 

Michael Choice (CF)
University of Texas - Arlington

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
11-10-89	6’0"	215	R/R	Junior	---	1

2010 had the A's picking the highest (10th) they had in a decade and the A's were linked with Choice possibly more than any other player prior to the draft. Although 9 teams picked in front of us, we had our "choice" (sorry, non-intentional pun there) as Michael Choice, Yasmani Grandal, Josh Sale, Dylan Covey, Zach Cox, Justin O'Conner, and Kolbrin Vitek were all available to us (Christian Colon was the only draftee taken - by KC - up to that point that had been strongly tied to Oakland).

I think Choice was a great pick for us. His power potential is undeniable...add that to his speed, ability to hit for average, take walks, and potentially play center field and he seems hard to pass up. The dude just seems like a good guy too...did you see the interviews with him after the A's selected him? I already like him :)

I should say I was a big Josh Sale fan initially, but the more it was reported that his defense would be average at best, my mind sort of changed in favor of Michael Choice. Yasmani Grandal was the other potential pick I thought would be a strong selection. However, given the reports that Grandal didn't really "put it all together" until his senior year coupled with our organizational depth at the catching position, I can understand why the A's may have passed on him.

John Sickels of SB Nation's Minor League Ball had this to say of Choice...

His power is real and he has good patience, although his insane walk total in college overstates things since he was pitched around. I also think his overall tools are a bit underrated. Overall, a solid choice, pardon the pun.

Melissa Lockard at Scout.com...

Choice could help the A's fairly quickly. He showed a lot of patience and maturity to put up the numbers he did when he was being pitched around every game this season. Choice has great power, good speed that he hasn't used yet and the chance to stick in center...

...I think he'll likely start in Kane County after a few games with the A's Rookie League team, much like Weeks did in 2008 and Pennington before him in 2005.

MLB.com wrote...

In a year that lacks a ton of big-name college hitters, players from smaller programs like Choice have a chance to shine, and he is taking advantage. Though he'll need work on his swing mechanics, he has big-time raw power to all fields. He runs well and plays a strong outfield to boot. He may not be the elite hitter clubs seek, but since there aren't many of those this year, teams may look hard at Choice in the early going.

Baseball America wrote...

Choice is a lock to eclipse Hunter Pence (second round, 2004) as the highest-drafted player in Texas-Arlington history, and he could be the first college position player drafted this year. He has the best power among four-year college players in this draft class. He starred for Team USA's college squad last summer, leading all players with three homers at the World Baseball Challenge, and was chasing the Southland Conference triple crown this spring. Texas-Arlington's career leader in batting and homers (.398, with 34 homers through mid-May), Choice has a strong 6-foot, 215-pound frame. He lets balls travel deep before unleashing his lightning bat speed and crushing them to all fields, though he can get pull-conscious and lengthen his righthanded swing at times. He racks up strikeouts but also draws walks, leading NCAA Division I with 66. That total is inflated by 17 intentional and several semi-intentional walks, but he's willing to take a base when pitchers won't challenge him. Choice has 6.6-second speed in the 60-yard dash, so some scouts believe he may be able to stay in center field. Others think he lacks the jumps and instincts for center and fits better on a corner. He may have enough arm strength for right field, and he definitely has the power profile to fit in left. One of the youngest college juniors in the draft, he won't turn 21 until November.

Click HERE for MLB.com's video draft report on Michael Choice.

Click HERE to read Andy Seiler's write-up on Michael Choice.

Click HERE to read an interview Scout.com's Josh Anderson did with Michael Choice. 

 

 

Yordy Cabrera (3B)
Lakeland Senior HS (Florida)

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
9-3-90	6’4"	190	R/R	HS	---	2

I LOVE Cabrera's potential. I think the A's got GREAT value with their 2nd pick...definitely an impact player if he reaches his ceiling. I had heard there were some make-up questions with Cabrera which is never something you like to hear, so I asked Andy Seiler (SB Nation's MLB Bonus Baby) about him in a chat and here's what he had to say...

He's definitely a legitimate third baseman in most respects. Power, arm, actions. Could be a great player there, but could also need a corner outfield spot if his hands don't improve some. As for the makeup flaws, he essentially just plays a little too laid back for some scouts. I've spoken to some who like his relaxed attitude, because they think he won't have a bad transition to the pro game, taking things in stride. Others call him lazy and think he doesn't have the work ethic to succeed. It's subjective.

...hmmm, that remind you of anyone? Sounds a lot like the perception some people had of Carlos Gonzalez when he was in the minor leagues. Seiler went on to say of Cabrera and Connor Narron (Orioles 5th Round pick who has also been said to have make-up issues)...

Both Cabrera and Narron have been around the game so long that it's not a big deal to them to try and kill themselves with every play. You can call that low-energy, but it's more likely just a function of their upbringing. Not being impressed by scouts usually turns scouts off, too, so I can understand why they get that tag.

After finding out what these make-up "issues" were, I'm not that worried.  Sounds like he's just completely comfortable around the baseball field. His father, Basilio Cabrera, is the coach of the Detroit Tiger's rookie level affiliate - Gulf Coast Tigers.

Athletics Nation member hero66 asked Seiler if he was a believer in Cabrera and what his ultimate ceiling was. Here was Seiler's response...

I think he has an all star ceiling due to his bat. I think he has a high bust rate, and I’d bet against him reaching that ceiling.

John Sickels of SB Nation's Minor League Ball had this to say of Cabrera...

Main negative is his age, already 20. But scouts love his power potential, and he has a third base arm. This is potentially excellent value in the second round.

For the record, Cabrera doesn't actually turn 20 until September. But yes, he is older than most any other high school draftee. Hopefully he signs quickly so the A's can get him into their system ASAP.

Melissa Lockard at Scout.com...

With Cabrera, it will be interesting to see if his bat takes off even more when he can concentrate on just hitting and not being a pitcher too. That's something that Doolittle said helped him a lot once he turned pro.

MLB.com wrote...

Cabrera certainly looks the part of a ballplayer in terms of his build and how he carries himself on the baseball field. He has the raw tools as well -- it's just a question of whether he'll learn to use them consistently. He has plenty of power, but there is some concern about his ability to recognize pitches well enough to tap into that power. His days as a shortstop are likely numbered, with a move to third or an outfield corner in his future. His athleticism and upside will have many teams interested, and the team who believes it can tap into that will be the one to take him.

Baseball America wrote...

The Yordy Cabrera story has several themes that all scouts are familiar with. He moved to the U.S. at age 14 from the Dominican Republic and is already 19. In other words, he's a prep senior who's two years older than junior-college freshman Bryce Harper. Cabrera, whose father Basilio is a former player and the Tigers' Rookie-level Gulf Coast League manager, has spent plenty of time around pro clubhouses and wood bats, and has two plus-plus tools. He has excellent raw power and one of the draft's strongest arms for an infielder, and he has the hands, average speed and actions to at least begin his pro career as a shortstop. Most believe he'll have to move to third base eventually because he's already 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, but should be able to stay in the dirt. As a pitcher, he has launched his fastball into the low to mid-90s, and his arm profiles for third or right field if he has to move. His value will depend on his bat, which remains raw and inconsistent despite his bloodlines. Cabrera kills mistakes, especially hanging breaking balls, but at times has trouble gearing up to velocity. He was unlikely to last past the supplemental round, and if his bat doesn't develop he could move to the mound.

Click HERE for MLB.com's video draft report on Yordy Cabrera.

Click HERE to read an article on Yordy Cabrera by Sporting News.

 

 

Aaron Shipman (CF)
Brooks County HS (Georgia)

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
1-27-92	6’0"	174	L/L	HS	---	3

Loved this pick as well. Shipman seems like a great all around player with good make-up. He could be a real force on the bases as well, which seems to be something the A's are trying to hone in on. I'm not a big Rajai Davis fan (I just don't think he's that good of a baseball player), but I do love watching him run the bases...man it's exciting! I think Shipman will be that kind of force on the base paths. He's said himself that he's a leadoff type hitter which gets me all excited at the idea of finally having a legitimate/quality force at the top of the order. Shipman is said to be a little raw, but he's a high school draftee so he's got plenty of time. There's potential for him to still grow as well so there may be a little more power in there too.

John Sickels of SB Nation's Minor League Ball had this to say of Shipman...

Very good tools and decent hitting polish for a high school kid. There was some talk he could go earlier than this, making him a value selection with upside.

MLB.com wrote...

Shipman isn't the most advanced of players, but a team willing to take time and patience could have a pretty good player on its hands. He has a good body with room to fill out and some tools. He's a plus runner, which helps him be an excellent defender in the outfield. He's a wristy hitter, but as he matures and gains more experience, there should be more there.

Baseball America wrote...

The "pop-up" player in Georgia this year shouldn't have been off the radar. Shipman comes from a baseball family, as his father Robert--a 10th-round pick in 1987 by the Tigers--is his high school coach and his brother Robert III is a freshman at Georgia. While his older brother is a slugging first baseman and baseclogger, Aaron Shipman is a fast-twitch athlete who compares favorably to anyone in Georgia's deep class of athletic center fielders. He just hasn't played in the East Cobb program as a south Georgia kid, but he was getting plenty of attention as the draft approached and could go in the second round. Shipman earns above-average grades from scouts in speed, throwing arm and future center field defense, though he could use some polish. His swing is perhaps just as exciting, as it's smooth and low-maintenance. Shipman also pitches and runs his fastball up to 91 mph, but he is a much better prospect in the field and doesn't figure to wind up at Mercer, his college commitment.

Click HERE to read an article by In the Game on Aaron Shipman.

 

 

Chad Lewis (3B)
Marina HS (California)

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
12-10-91	6’3"	200	R/R	HS	---	4

I really liked this pick as well. A prep player expected to be able to stick at 3B as a good defender/quality bat sounds good to me. I'm not near an expert on hitting or fielding mechanics, but Lewis seems to have a nice, quick swing and good smooth fielding skills (check out the video links below).

Fun fact...Lewis went to the same high school as our very own Daric Barton.

John Sickels of SB Nation's Minor League Ball had this to say of Chad Lewis...

Decent defender at third base with the potential to hit for power and average as he matures. Like Shipman, he could have gone higher and looks like a solid pick in this slot.

Andy Seiler of SB Nation's MLB Bonus Baby had this report on Chad Lewis...

Chad Lewis is a slugging third baseman from Marina High School in Huntington Beach, California, a coastal town south of Long Beach that has produced players such as Daric Barton and 2009 Texas draft pick Paul Strong. Lewis has been known as one of the better bats in the Southern California class this year for some time, but he’s somewhat flattened out around a solid prospect rather than an elite one, and he’ll get drafted based on how high some teams with his hitting potential. He does have the tools to be a potential starting third baseman at the Major League level, and it’s all about refining those tools as to how successful he is as a pro prospect. At the plate, he’s an average hitter with good hands, but he has a few small mechanical flaws that make his strong a little exaggerated at times, leading to weaknesses up and in against velocity and low and away with offspeed stuff. However, with above-average power potential, scouts see value in his bat in the long run, and some think his mechanical flaws can be fixed. He’s a below-average runner, but he has solid-average range at third with an above-average arm, making him a solid starting option there. There are enough questions about his overall package as to what his actual ceiling is, as some scouts believe he just can’t hit enough to be a starting option at an offense-driven third base spot. However, he should go somewhere in the third to sixth round range to a team that likes his bat potential, and he should be signable away from his San Diego State commitment in that range.

MLB.com wrote...

Lewis looks the part of a third baseman, from his offensive skill set to his glove work to his physical appearance. Tall and muscular, he can hit to all fields and should have more than enough power for the position. He has the hands, range and arm to stick at third as well. While there are some issues with his swing, he's shown a knack for performing well under the spotlight. The total package makes him one of the more intriguing high school position players in the 2010 Draft class.

Baseball America wrote...

Lewis would never fool panelists in a "What's My Line?" contest. At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, with California blond hair and a prototypical third baseman's build, Lewis is an obvious athlete, and is the premier hot corner prospect in Southern California in 2010. A fixture on the showcase scene, Lewis' best offseason performance came at a showcase in Jupiter, Fla., last October. On a humid and windy day, he blasted a long, wood-bat home run into an unforgiving crosswind. Pro third basemen must hit, and Lewis shows promise with the bat. He has a fluid swing and exciting bat speed, but still needs to correct some technical issues. Lewis struggles with breaking balls and offspeed pitches and needs to improve his pitch recognition. Defensively, Lewis shows playmaking ability and easy fielding actions. His arm is strong and accurate, though his range is a tad short. Like many young players, Lewis loses his concentration in the field and will make errors he shouldn't. Time and experience should solve that problem. Below-average speed is Lewis' only glaring weakness. He profiles as a textbook third baseman with an above-average glove and arm, and average power and hitting ability.

Click HERE for MLB.com's video draft report on Chad Lewis.

Click HERE for additional video on Chad Lewis hitting. 

 

 

Tyler Vail (RHP)
Notre Dame HS (Pennsylvania)

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
11-3-91	6’1"	180	R/R	HS	YES	5

Tyler Vail was the first pitcher selected by the A's in this years draft...in the 5th round! Being the first pitcher the A's took I was hoping for more promise. All reports I've heard are projecting Vail as more of a bullpen arm than starter. Hopefully the A's give him a shot to start though since he's just 18. I definitely hold out hope that the A's can turn Vail into a quality arm of some sort since they have such a great record of producing quality pitchers.

John Sickels of SB Nation's Minor League Ball had this to say of Tyler Vail...

Low-90s fastball but raw, was expected to attend college at Maryland but being drafted this high increases his chance to sign.

Baseball America wrote...

Six-foot-1 righthander Vail doesn't have a big frame and has a lot of effort in his delivery, but he has run his fastball up to 92 mph with boring action. His breaking ball and changeup are below-average to fringe-average, but both could develop into solid pitches over the next three years under the tutelage of Maryland pitching coach Sean Kenny.

Vail, had a scholarship to Maryland (hence the reference to pitching coach Sean Kenny). But...it's sort of a moot point since Vail has already signed with the A's :)

Click HERE for video of Tyler Vail.

His follow through seems sort of short-armed to me, a la Keith Folk. Does it seem that way to anyone else? 

 

 

Anthony Thompson (3B)
Kansas

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
12-19-88	6’4"	219	R/R	Senior	YES	6

Noticing a trend here? Thompson was the third 3B prospect the A's chose within the first 6 rounds. Add him to Cabrera, Lewis, and Stephen Parker ('09 draftee currently in Stockton) and the A's all of a sudden have a plethora of promising 3B prospects. I like the odds of at least one of these guys panning out to take over for Kouzmanoff once he's played out his time in Oakland (I like Kouz though, definitely not suggesting the A's get rid of him any time soon).

Thompson suffered a broken knee cap (ouch!!!) at the beginning of this season which seems to have hurt his draft stock. The guy can flat out hit though...for power and average. Check out his stat line from last season (in the Baseball America quote below) when he won the first Triple Crown in Big 12 Conference history! Pretty amazing! Due to his injury it's been said his limited range may push him to 1B eventually, but I hope the A's give him a chance to stick at 3B. Hmmm...a promising prospect that fell on draft boards due to an injury...remind anyone of Grant Desme?

Another pick on the offense side that I'm really stoked on. Thompson has already signed with the A's too, so he's gonna get a good bit of pro-ball under his belt this year which is great!

You gotta love this tidbit from Scout.com's Melissa Lockard...

Apparently Thompson is a big A's fan and is really excited about being taken by the green and gold.

John Sickels of SB Nation's Minor League Ball had this to say of Anthony Thompson...

Showed a first round bat last year in the Big 12, but a knee injury this year hampered him both offensively and defensively. Faces a move to first base, but could be a huge value pick in this round as the injury recedes into the background.

MLB.com wrote...

Despite missing a chunk of his junior season because of a broken kneecap, Thompson will still likely attract attention at the Draft. He has as much power as any college bat in this class. With a short stroke, he's been a good overall hitter as well. He might be limited to first base defensively, though his arm is plus and he has decent hands. Assuming he's healthy, though, he has the kind of power bat that would play just fine at first.

Baseball America wrote...

Thompson won the first triple crown in Big 12 Conference history a year ago, batting .389 with 21 homers and 82 RBIs. Hopes for an encore were dashed when he fouled a ball off his left kneecap in a February practice, sidelining him for the first 19 games of the season with a hairline fracture. He was overanxious when he returned, chasing too many pitches, but started to look more like himself toward the end of the season. Huge and strong at 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds, Thompson generates easy power to all fields. His swing can get long at times, but he doesn't strike out excessively like many sluggers do. Thompson's speed and mobility were below-average before he got hurt. While he has the arm strength to play third base, his range and agility are substandard. His regular-season fielding percentage was just .880, a further indication he's destined for first base as a pro. His bat should play well enough there for him to get drafted in the first five rounds.

Click HERE for MLB.com's video draft report on Anthony Thompson.

 

 

Jordan Tripp (CF)
Golden West College

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
10-27-89	6’4"	215	R/R	J3	---	7

Another Centerfielder...third one within the A's first 7 picks. Tripp seems like good value in this round. His 6'4", 215 lb frame sure seems to suggest an athletic build. Tripp is only 20...would LOVE for the A's to sign him as I think he could be one to keep an eye on.

John Sickels of SB Nation's Minor League Ball had this to say of Jordan Tripp...

Shows good plate discipline, power and speed potential, could be a very nice pick here.

Baseball America wrote...

Conversely, the bat of outfielder Tripp, a transfer from Cal State Fullerton to Golden West JC who has impressive tools and a pro frame, has finally started to fulfill his promise at bat this year, hitting .364 with more walks than strikeout and good speed for a man his size (6-foot-4, 210 pounds). Still just 20, he may return to a D-I school if he does not sign.

 

 

Blake Hassebrock (RHP)
UNC - Greensboro

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
7-15-89	6’5"	205	R/R	Junior	---	8

I'm kind of "meh" about this pick. Hopefully he reaches his potential.

John Sickels of SB Nation's Minor League Ball had this to say of Blake Hassebrock...

Can hit 94 MPH and looks like a pitcher at 6-5, 190, but has serious command and control problems. Good upside but high risk of failure.

Baseball America wrote...

UNC Greensboro had righty Rob Gilliam drafted in the eighth round a year ago. While Gilliam threw a bit harder than 2010 ace Hassebrock, Hassebrock profiles better and should go in the same range, if not a couple of rounds higher. He can sit at 93-94 mph with his fastball and reaches higher in shorter stints. At 6-foot-5, 190 pounds, he has the body scouts look for, and he has shown the athletic ability to repeat his delivery--though he has not been able to actually do it. Scouts say his mechanics need significant work, and his 44 walks in 73 innings attest to that. He worked in several roles for the Spartans this season, and when he started, he generally maintained his stuff but was left in games too long thanks to a poor bullpen. He pitched better than his 0-7, 7.15 record suggests, but he's also raw for a college pitcher. He was expected to come off the board in the first six or seven rounds. 

 

 

Antwoin Kirby-Jones (1B)
Tennessee Tech University

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
10-2-88	5’10"	215	R/R	Junior	YES	9

Kirby-Jones is a 1B at best which obviously suggests he was drafted for his bat. The dude can hit (yes, another hitter chosen by the A's in their top 10 selections)! He's already signed which is great too, so he can get right into the "swing" of things (bad pun - sorry, couldn't resist haha). In the 9th round, you could do a lot worse. I like the upside potential of this pick.

John Sickels of SB Nation's Minor League Ball had this to say of Antwoin Kirby-Jones...

Good power, good plate discipline, lacks tools and glove.

Baseball America wrote...

Kirby-Jones has hit 46 homers the last two seasons and has some of the nation's gaudiest numbers in 2010. He understands the strike zone (58 walks) and has a short, powerful swing with plus raw power. He has thickened up over his college career, and his 6-foot, 230-pound frame holds him back defensively. He's a well-below-average runner who is limited to first base despite arm strength that allowed him to pitch 100 innings over the last three seasons.

ProjectProspect.com wrote...

Kirby-Jones has become sort of a trendy sleeper pick and a quick glance at his stat line tells you why. Kirby-Jones is hitting .388/.531/.859 with 26 home runs and 58 walks in 275 plate appearances. Despite producing elite power and walk rates, Kirby-Jones does have a fatal flaw: contact. He has struck out in 19.3% of this plate appearances this year, showing very little improvement from the 20.7% whiff rate he posted in 2009. However the rest of his offensive game has been so good, if that one (large) area can just be made adequate, Kirby-Jones could be a fantastic draft choice. If not, I still want him on my slow-pitch softball team.

 

 

Joshua Bowman (RHP)
University of Tampa

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
9-9-88	6’2"	200	R/R	Junior	---	10

Sorta feel the same about Bowman as I do about Hassebrock...not too excited.

John Sickels of SB Nation's Minor League Ball had this to say of Joshua Bowman...

Successful college guy with an average arm, could be middle relief filler.

Baseball America wrote...

Bowman has two average pitches in his fastball and curve and should be a double-digit pick.

 

 

Wade Kirkland (SS)
Florida Southern College

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
4-4-89	5’10"	180	R/R	Junior	YES	11

Kirkland has already signed which is great. Intruiging pick as he's a SS that can hit. Might not stick at SS though and some have reported a possible move off the position.

Baseball America wrote... 

Florida Southern's best position player prospect should be third baseman Kirkland, a grinder who can hit and has some power. He runs fairly well and should be able to stay at third.

 

 

Matthew Thomson (RHP)
University of San Diego

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
3-22-88	6’4"	205	R/R	Senior	YES	12

Hopefully the A's can add Thomson to the list of successful bullpen arms they've developed in recent years. He throws strikes which is what you like to hear regarding a bullpen arm. He's already signed so look for him to join one of the rookie teams soon.

Baseball America wrote...

Thomson has enjoyed an excellent season coming out of the bullpen, striking out 56 in 41 innings. While his fastball is not blazing at 89 mph, he moves it around the zone and throws strikes. 

 

 

Arthur Griffin (RHP)
University of San Diego

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
1-28-88	6’4"	205	R/R	Senior	YES	13

Griffin was the A's next draftee after fellow USD teammate Matthew Thomson. He was a senior this year and selected in the 13th round so I would think he'll sign eventually.

 

 

Gerald Menna (RHP)
Brookdale Community College

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
12-24-88	6’3"	205	R/R	J3	YES	14

John Sickels of SB Nation's Minor League Ball had Menna listed as a pick to take 'note' of.

Baseball America wrote...

The top prospect in New Jersey is Brookdale CC righthander J.C. Menna, who ranked 16th on this list and went undrafted a year ago. He did improve his performance this spring, going 6-3, 1.53 with 64 strikeouts and 16 walks in 59 innings. A 39th-round pick by the Pirates out of New Jersey's Red Bank Catholic High in 2007, Menna headed to James Madison after graduating, then transferred to Seton Hall and finally landed at Brookdale last season. Menna ran his fastball up to 92 mph at times in 2009, but his velocity was inconsistent, and his breaking ball was mediocre. This spring, he threw more consistently in the 90-92 range with good life, and he improved his secondary stuff, flashing an average slider and a fringy changeup. He has a chance to be drafted toward the back of the top 10 rounds.

 

 

Scott Woodward (3B)
Coastal Carolina University

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
12-3-88	6’2"	205	R/R	Junior	---	15

Baseball America wrote...

Legally deaf, Woodward has excellent speed and patience at the plate but hasn't hit with the power he showed as a freshman. That limits his profile because he lacks the power for third base and the footwork for the middle infield. He's likely destined for the outfield.

 

 

Ryan Hughes (LHP)
Nebraska

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
5-20-88	6’6"	220	L/L	Junior	---	16

Hughes is another draftee I hope the A's can sign. At 6'6", 220 lbs he's got a good build. Definitely someone I'd love to have in the system and will be keeping tabs on if the A's can sign him. He's also from Pleasanton, so he has local ties.

 

 

Drew Tyson (RHP)
Reinhardt College

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
8-11-89	6’5"	195	R/R	Junior	YES	17

Click HERE for video of Drew Tyson courtesy of Checkswing.com.

 

 

 

Jose Macias (RHP)
Franklin Pierce University

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
7-18-89	6’2"	180	R/R	Junior	YES	18

Macias was a Division II college player, but put up some good numbers. Promising bullpen arm?

Baseball America wrote...

The Ravens boast Upper New England's top prospect again this year in junior righthander Macias, who went 9-1, 0.96 with 110 strikeouts and 19 walks in 85 innings to lead Franklin Pierce back to the Division II World Series. Macias, a 6-foot-1, 185-pounder, played shortstop during his 2008 freshman year at Monroe (N.Y.) CC and his sophomore year at Franklin Pierce. He threw just one inning in 2009, but the Ravens decided to convert him to the mound full-time for his junior season, and he earned East Region pitcher of the year honors. Macias dominated largely with his fringe-average 75-81 mph slider, and scouts said they wanted to see him pitch more off his fastball, which ranges from 88-91 mph. He flashes an occasional changeup, but rarely before the fourth inning. Macias has some athleticism and arm strength, but he's not overly physical. He projects as a 10th- to 15th-round pick. 

 

 

Logan Chitwood (RHP)
University of Texas - Tyler

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
3-28-89	6’1"	185	R/R	Junior	YES	19

Seems to have good control and strikeout ability. Another promising relief arm if he signs.

Per Scout.com's Melissa Lockard...

Chitwood is a closer. He saved six games and had a 3.12 ERA with 53 Ks and only 8 walks in 34.2 innings.

 

 

Eric Ramsey (CF)
Chattooga HS (Georgia)

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
5-10-92	6’0"	175	L/L	HS	YES	20

 

 

Michael Anarumo (LHP)
Le Moyne College

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
9-7-89	6’4"	180	L/L	Junior	---	21

 

 

Michael Strong (LHP)
Oklahoma State

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
11-17-88	6’0"	175	L/L	Junior	---	22

 

 

Zachary Thornton (RHP)
Oregon

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
5-19-88	6’4"	210	R/R	Senior	YES	23

Baseball America wrote...

Righthander Thornton is a 6-foot-4, 210 pound senior who wears size 17 shoes and has a funky, low three-quarters arm action. Early in the year his sinking fastball sat around 90-93 mph, though later he was more 86-88. He has the best changeup and command on the Oregon staff, but his breaking ball is nothing special.

 

 

Ryan Lipkin (C)
University of San Francisco

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
5-19-88	6’1"	205	R/R	5S	YES	24

Lipkin is a local product (from Vacaville) that attended University of San Francisco. He's already signed on so should be fun to root for due to his local ties if nothing else.

Baseball America wrote...

Catcher Lipkin earned a surprise spot on Team USA after his sophomore season to put himself on the map. Lipkin throws well, has leadership qualities, competes well, has strength with the bat and is good behind the plate. He struggled as a junior, hitting just .266, then bounced back with a solid senior season in 2010.

 

 

John Whitaker (OF)
Kennesaw State University

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
5-19-88	6’3"	235	R/R	Junior	YES	25

 

 

 

Jacob Brown (LHP)
Georgia Southern University

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
12-28-86	6’2"	220	R/L	Senior	YES	26

 

 

James Frankoff (RHP)
UNC - Wilmington

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
8-27-88	6’5"	200	R/R	Senior	YES	27

 

 

Ryan Pineda (2B)
Cal State Northridge

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
4-17-89	5’11"	180	R/R	Junior	---	28

I'd love it if the A's could sign Pineda. Seems like a good sleeper pick.

Baseball America wrote...

The Big West's home run leader for much of the year was Cal State Fullerton's Christian Colon, but late in the year Cal State Northridge second baseman Pineda passed him. Pineda has offensive instincts, an aggressive swing and an aggressive approach at the plate. He stole 24 bases as a senior but is an average runner. 

 

 

Zachary Hurley (RF)
Ohio State

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
5-27-87	6’0"	200	L/L	Senior	YES	29

 

 

Jeff Urlaub (LHP)
Grand Canyon University

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
4-24-87	6’2"	165	L/L	5S	YES	30

 

 

Aaron Judge (1B)
Linden HS (California)

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
4-26-92	6’7"	230	R/R	HS	---	31

The A's drafted Judge as a 1B, but the Baseball America write-up below seems to project him as more of a pitcher. Judge would be an interesting sign since he seems to be a possible 2-way player. Most likely a hard sign since he's committed to Fresno State and wasn't picked until the 31st round.

Baseball America wrote...

Six-foot-7, 225-pound Judge is reminiscent of former Astros flamethrower J.R. Richard. One look at Judge and his delivery is enough to hook most scouts, with the feeling they're looking at a future big leaguer. He pounds the bottom of the strike zone with tremendous tilt. His delivery is smooth and hitters tend to swing at his 87-90 mph fastball like it's 93, while his overhand curveball has good spin and late break. With his large hands, Judge has yet to master a changeup grip. He added a split-finger fastball that should be relatively easy for him to pick up. Judge is also a physical righhanded hitter with power and good speed, going down the line in times as low as 4.20 seconds. More scouts like him on the mound. He has committed to Fresno State.

 

 

Todd McInnis (RHP)
University of Southern Mississippi

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
3-26-88	6’1"	160	R/R	Senior	---	32

Baseball America wrote...

McInnis was an eligible sophomore last year but wasn't drafted, due mostly to his size--he's listed at 6-foot-1, 160 pounds and may be smaller--and signability. McInnis' best attributes remain his command of a fringy fastball and his solid-average curve.

 

 

Sean Murphy (RHP)
Keystone College

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
8-23-88	6’6"	215	R/R	Senior	YES	33

 

 

Aaron Larsen (RHP)
Bethany College

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
3-1-87	6’1"	190	R/L	Senior	YES	34

 

 

Andrew Bailey (RHP)
Concord University

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
3-30-89	6’5"	215	R/R	Junior	YES	35

No, not our Rookie of the year/All-Star closer. But here's to hoping he reaches such heights :) Bailey has already signed so we officially have 2 guys named Andrew Bailey in the Oakland system.

 

 

Bobby Geren (3B)
San Ramon Valley HS (California)

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
5-28-91	6’1"	185	L/R	HS	---	36

Yep, our lovely manager's son. Ok, I can understand a team taking a player with ties to someone within the organization. But jeez, the 36th Round for Bobby Geren? Maybe wait to do the whole 'favor' pick till round 50. The dude has a full ride to Princeton (and congrats to him on that for sure!) so there is no way he signs. I would have rather drafted someone like Lonnie Kauppila (our 44th round selection) here in hopes that a higher draft slot would persuade him to consider signing.

 

 

Daniel Petitti (C)
North Georgia College & State University

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
5-12-88	6’1"	190	R/R	Senior	YES	37

 

 

Michael Fabiaschi (2B)
James Madison University

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
8-17-88	5’11"	185	R/R	Senior	YES	38

 

 

John Nester (C)
Clemson University

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
5-28-89	6’1"	210	R/R	Junior	---	39

 

 

Andrew Smith (RHP)
Roswell HS (Georgia)

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
11-5-91	6’1"	185	R/R	HS	---	40

Baseball America wrote...

Smith is a North Carolina recruit who has shown good arm strength at 90-92 mph, touching 93. He has flashed a strong curveball with depth at times, but didn't wow scouts despite his good raw stuff.

MLB.com wrote...

Smith earned Under Armour All-America honors in 2009. He has committed to play at the University of North Carolina. 

 

 

Andrew Knapp (C)
Granit Bay HS (California)

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
11-9-91	6’1"	175	S/R	HS	---	41

Baseball America wrote...

Switch-hitting high school catchers who profile as high-average hitters and above-average defensive players—not to mention having baseball bloodlines—are not very common. Andrew Knapp, whose father Mike caught professionally for 11 years, fits that description. He has a pure stroke on both sides of the plate and his set-up and mannerisms resemble Chipper Jones. He shows more raw power on the right side. Knapp is 6 feet, 175 pounds with wiry strength, and he physically should resemble Jason Kendall. He hits the ball hard to all fields and does so with flashes of extra-base power. Defensively he flashes the tools of an above-average catching prospect but also has plenty of room for improvement. His arm grades out near average, but if you watch him enough you see a plus arm on his snap throws behind runners. Knapp's receiving skills are presently fair due to occasional trouble on the glove side, but he projects above average. His arm stroke and footwork too often do not work together on his throws to second base, but like his receiving he has the ability to develop better skills. Knapp has committed to California.

 

 

Louie Lechich (LHP)
St Marys HS (California)

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
11-19-91	6’4"	200	L/L	HS	---	42

 

 

Spencer Haynes (SS)
Brandon HS (Florida)

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
3-15-92	5’10"	160	R/R	HS	---	43

 

 

Lonnie Kauppila (SS)
Burbank HS (California)

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
1-17-92	6’1"	170	R/R	HS	---	44

Man, this dude looks smooth in the field! Make sure to check the video report by MLB.com below. I would love it if they could sign Kauppila, but the chances of that happening are probably pretty slim considering he has a commitment to Stanford and wasn't chosen until the 44th Round.

MLB.com wrote...

Kauppila is a classic good-glove, can he hit type prospect. There's no question that he has the outstanding defensive skills across the board to play shortstop defensively at any level. The concerns do arise when it comes to his bat. While he's a decent contact hitter, he lacks the strength now to assure people he'll be able to hit as an every-day pro. A team that loves the glove and thinks he'll add strength as me matures may take a chance or perhaps he'll fulfill his commitment to Stanford and be a more finished product down the road.

Click HERE for MLB.com's video draft report on Lonnie Kauppila. 

 

 

Krey Bratsen (CF)
Bryan HS (Texas)

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
6-12-91	6’1"	165	R/R	HS	---	45

Baseball America wrote...

Bratsen is the fastest true prospect in the 2010 draft, capable of running the 60-yard dash in 6.35 seconds. He seems destined to take that speed to Texas A&M. His father James led the Aggies in RBIs for three years running in the 1970s, and the campus is just five minutes from Bratsen's high school. He also has a seven-figure price tag, and the rest of his game isn't refined enough to warrant that kind of payday. Bratsen's second-best tool is his strong arm. He has plenty of bat speed, but he has a long righthanded swing and doesn't make consistent contact. At 6 feet and 160 pounds, he lacks the strength to drive balls. His speed is an asset in center field, but his instincts are just fair and he doesn't take good routes on flyballs. Bratsen has considerable potential as a hitter and defender, but he's a few years away from realizing it yet.

 

 

Tyler Skulina (RHP)
Walsh Jesuit HS (Ohio)

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
9-18-91	6’5"	252	R/R	HS	---	46

Baseball America wrote...

Skulina had elbow issues at the end of last summer and back problems this spring, and at times his fastball dropped to the mid-80s. Once healthy, he pushed his fastball up to 90-93 mph and his career record to 26-0 through the Division II regional playoffs. He has a power slider that's inconsistent, and scouts say his arm action is long and his 6-foot-6, 235-pound frame is a little soft. He's committed to Virginia.

MLB.com wrote...

Skulina signed to play at the University of Virginia. 

 

 

Tony McClendon (OF)
Fullerton College

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
9-1-90	6’3"	190	R/R	J2	---	47

 

 

Zachary Johnson (3B)
Ohlone College

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
6-16-88	5’11"	200	R/R	J2	---	48

 

 

Nicholas Rosso (OF)
Lincoln HS (California)

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
3-3-91	6’1"	180	L/L	HS	---	49

 

 

Thomas Walz (RHP)
Kansas

DOB	Height	Weight	B/T	Class	Signed	Round
11-21-88	6’0"	175	R/R	JR	---	50

Baseball America wrote...

At times, Walz will flash a 91-94 mph fastball and a plus breaking ball, and he has won eight games in each of the last two seasons for Kansas. But the 6-foot, 175-pound righthander also confounds scouts, because there are games where he works at 88-91 mph and he has more of a slurve. His stuff, ability to throw strikes and his competitiveness earned him a spot on Team USA last summer, yet he was telling teams he plans on returning for his senior season.

 

 

 

 

 

That wraps up our selections for the 2010 Rule 4 Draft. I'll add 'Yes' markings to the corresponding player columns as more of our draftees sign :) Go A's!

Poll

How would you rate the A's 2010 Draft?

14%

A

15 votes

75%

B

78 votes

9%

C

10 votes

0%

D

1 votes

0%

F

0 votes

104 votes | Poll has closed